With the goal of making East Cleveland a more vibrant, connected and resilient city, the City of East Cleveland is working with County Planning to update its zoning and regulatory processes.
The City of East Cleveland requested County Planning’s assistance in 2022 to update regulations with the following overarching goals:
- Develop zoning text to regulate new residential and commercial construction, especially in areas that are experiencing development pressures
- Streamline the planning and zoning process to allow the desired types of development
- Add modern requirements to ensure attractive and sustainable development
To achieve these goals several deliverables have been produced:
- An Updated Zoning Map
- New Zoning Overlays (Commercial & Residential)
- Updated Powers & Duties
- New Subdivision Regulations
- New Design Guidelines (Commercial & Residential)
Background
The City’s zoning code is more than 70 years old, with most sections dating back to 1953 and only limited, patchwork updates since then. It lacks modern land use definitions and clear standards for quality development, including landscaping, parking, lighting, and design. An outdated zoning map, unclear project approval processes, inconsistent board roles, and weak enforcement language further make East Cleveland’s zoning code difficult to administer effectively.
These proposed zoning changes are primarily informed by the East Cleveland Land Use Strategic Plan, completed in 2023 and adopted by City Council in April 2026. This plan identified target areas for redevelopment, recommended land use strategies, and highlighted issues in the existing zoning code that need updating to better support the desired development. The following plans also helped shape these zoning updates:
- Development Framework & Target Area Plan For East Cleveland’s Euclid District (2015)
- City Of East Cleveland Visioning Project (2020)
- Action Plan For East Cleveland Target Area (2022)
- Connect EC Placemaking Plan (2023)
County Planning also applied insights from its regional work, such as the Single-Family Zoning Analysis and Transit-Oriented Development Zoning Study, to tailor best practices specifically for East Cleveland.
Draft Documents
The draft documents are currently being reviewed by East Cleveland City Council, boards and commissions. For more information or access to the draft documents, visit the following East Cleveland web pages:
Presentations
County Planning provided a comprehensive joint presentation outlining all project deliverables to East Cleveland City Council, the City’s boards and commissions, and the public on May 6, 2026. Follow‑up meetings with individual boards and commissions have since been held to review specific items in more detail.
Contact Us
Questions or comments about East Cleveland Zoning Changes should be directed to:
Mr. Patrick Hewitt, AICP
Planning Manager, Strategy & Development
phewitt@cuyahogacounty.gov